2020 - A YEAR QUITE LIKE NO OTHER
It was a year many of us might wish to forget, as normal life came to a halt amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
But there were many reasons to celebrate, and many signs of hope, as people found other ways to connect, at a time when being apart was safer for us all.
The Argus has been privileged to feature the stories, the moments, and the big events made small, which have shaped our readers lives during 2020.
Just as we reported on the terrible effect Coronavirus has had, and the devastating impact of lives lost due to the virus, we have also been moved by the kindness and generosity shown by local people over the last year.
Runs, walks, cycles and dance-athons all featured among the inspiring charity fundraisers which local people organised throughout the pandemic.
Blackrock woman Kathleen Lynch captured the heart of the nation as she held a socially distanced dancing extravaganza in her own back garden, to mark her 90th birthday. The great grandmother raised over €18,000 for the Irish Red Cross and Age Action, charities which had set up hardship funds to help vulnerable older people who were experiencing added financial stress due to the COVID-19 crisis.
After local charities appealed for support with their fundraising activities which were curtailed due to the pandemic, the people of Dundalk, and across Louth, responded in earnest. Whether it was running up and down their own stairs on a virtual mountain climb, or getting their pets in on the action, with early morning marathon training sessions, there were many people who helped make 2020 a better one for others.
Families made the most out of their time at home throughout the pandemic, from the colourful dressing up on St. Patrick’s day, and the joy of a Spring heatwave, there was a renewed sense of hope as the days grew longer.
A year without foreign travel became a time to re-discover the convenience and fun of a holiday at home, camping in your own back garden, or day-tripping to scenic spots.
‘Drive-by’ and ‘socially distanced’ birthday parties helped bring a smile to those who longed for the company of family and friends as they celebrated life’s landmarks.
Iconic scenes were captured at Easter time as churches were closed to parishioners for the first time in living memory. Fr. Malachy Conlon from Cooley Parish performed ‘drive-by blessings’ along the Peninsula during Holy Week from the famous ‘ Popemobile’ once used by Pope John Paul II.
And so, as we look back at the year which has been so difficult in many ways, we invite you to enjoy in the pages ahead some of the moments which have made 2020 one which we will never forget.
Amy Doyle, Claire Staunton and Katie Cooney take part in St Vincent’s ‘Fashionably Talented’ show in DkIT.
JANUARY: High tide in Blackrock.
JANUARY: Luke Ross as ’Edna’, Seara Lennon as ‘Tracy’ and Oisin Duffy as ‘Wilbur’ in the Bush Post Primary production of ‘Hairspray’.
JANUARY:
Liam O’Hanrahan and Cillian O’Hanrahan at the Grandparents’ day in Gaelscoil Dhún Dealgan
JANUARY: Una McGoey, Marie O’Connor and Clodagh McKevitt at the registration night for Operation Bush4mation at Bush Post Primary School.
Liam Tynan and Dan Smyth at the Marist Community social night in The Lisdoo.